Portable adjustable manipulating apparatus



March 17, 1953 N. w. BENSFI ELD 2,631,532

PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MANIPULATING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 14, 1950 2 SHEETS-SHEET l LKE March 17, 1953 N. w. BENSFIELD PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MANIFULATING APPARATUS 2 sr-msTs-srms'r 2 Filed Aug. 14, 1950 Alla r g Patented Mar. 17, 1953 PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MANIPULATING APPARATUS Nicholas W. Bensfield, Inglewood, Calif. Application August 14, 1950, Serial No. 179,243

11 Claims.

to advantage for manipulation as, for instance,

manipulation of a limb of a patient body, and which is such that it can be easily and quickly adjusted to gain a satisfactory action.

i" ;There are various persons whose limbs require manipulation and since such action must be carried out smoothly and carefully it usually required the services of a masseuse.

It is a general object of this invention to provide a power driven machine that can be used to advantage in many situations where limbs are required to be manipulated, the mechanism being such that manipulation can be efiected at spaced intervals of time and throughout suitable distances, to the end that safe and satisfactory action is gained. 7

'A general object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the general character referred to which is of such general construction and arrangement of parts as to enable it to be used advantageously in connection with or adjoining a bed, or the like, on which a patient is located.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the general character referred to in which a line is operated by a prime mover, as

through a crank, and has a working end that depends and which can be advantageously couple to a limb to be manipulated.

' A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character referred to including means multiplying motion of the line as initially imparted by the crank, and further including means by which the movement of the working end of the line can be varied at will to gain the desired movement or stroke, while the working end of the line is attached to the limb of a patient.

The machine of the present invention is characterized by a U-shaped frame disposed on its side or horizontally, so that it has an elongate, horizontally disposed carriage, operable on a floor or the like, a standard projecting u from one end of the carriage, and an arm projecting horizontally from the upper end of the standard to overlie the carriage. In a typical arrangement the carriage can be inserted beneath a bed so the standard projects upwardly at an edge or end of ,the bed, causing the arm to overhang the bed. The carriage has a housing or case portion in which a prime mover or motor is located, and

the motor. operatesa crank, preferably through I a variable speed reducing mechanism.

A line is provided to be operated by or from the crank and extends up at the standard and along the arm to the outer end portion thereof, Where it has a working end. Guide means handles the line and preferably involves a lower guide pulley at the lower end of the standard, an upper guide pulley at the upper end of the standard, and an outer guide pulley at the outer end of the arm. A means is provided, preferably in the case, for multiplying the action imparted to the line from the crank, and in a preferred form this means involves a fixed pulley which may be on an axis coincidental with that of the lower guide pulley and a pair of pulleys on a crank pin carried by the crank arm. The line has a dead or fixed endand. extends therefrom around one of the crank pulleys, then around the stationary pulley and then around the second crank pulley to pass therefrom to the guide pulley and then up through the standard.

which is free to reciprocate vertically and normally tends to move downwardly or away from the crown block, a stop limiting movement of the traveling block toward the crown block, and a guide means supporting the blocks. The line extending up from the lower guide pulley passes over the crown block around the traveling block and continues up therefrom to the top guide pulley. .The means provided for adjusting the position of the crown block involves a suspension member which may be a line carried on a drum, and the drum is rotated from a manual control at the exterior of the standard to a suitable drive which may involve a worm gear mechanism.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a .side elevation of a typical embodiment of the invention, showing it in working relationship to a bed or cot carrying a patient having a limb requiring manipulation. Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan section takenas indicated by line 22 on-Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through the standard of the frame and showing the mechanism contained therein.

. engagement with the floor.

A, and drives an operatin line L Which ex-- tends from the carrier to the outer end portion of the arm where it has a depending working portion. A suitable guide means D handles the line so that it extends upwardly through the standard B and then from the upper end pertion of the standard to the outer end portion of the arm. A means, preferably in the nature of a pulley mechanism F, operates on the line.

preferably at the carrier, to multiply motion in the line imparted thereto through action of the crank driven by the motor, the crank bein a part of the crank-mechanism G at th carrier, and a means H acts on the line; preferably as it passes upwardly through the standard of the frame, to vary the motion or stroke of the working end of the line.

The carriage A may, in practice, vary considerably in form and construction. In the preferred form the carriage involves an elongate fiat horizontally disposed platform It provided with supporting wheels II and carrying a housing or case [2. In the arrangement illustrated there-are four supporting Wheels ll, one located at each corner of the platform and the housing 12 is a box-like structure of limited Vertical extent and extending lengthwise of the platform fromone end, which I will term its outer end. A suitable stop means is preferably provided for setting the platform against movement and in the drawings I have shown this as involving a pivoted arm l 5 carried by the platform and having a shoe I6 engageable with a floor I! or the like. A suitable spring operated releasable latching device [8 is provided for setting the arm in position Where the shoe is in pressure The carrier, asprovided by the present invention, is such that it can be readily inserted beneath the rails IQ of a bed or cothaving supporting ends 20. In the case illustrated the carriage is shown inserted under the bed from one end thereof, so that the arm- 0 extends over the bed with the Working end portion X of the line L in position to be engaged with a limb 22 of a patient located on the bed. In the particular case illustrated the working end of the line is shown directly coupled with the limb 22 by means of a suitable sling 23 attached to the line, whereas, if desired, suitable intermediate apparatus or attachments may be employed. As an example of such an attachment I show a rocker arm 24 pivotally carried by a collar 25 adjustable along a standard and having a multiplicity of spaced openings 26 which can be employed, if necessary, for carrying slings or other devices that may be used in gaining the desired action by means of the present structure. In Fig. 1 of the drawings the arm 24 is shown hooked out of service so that it does not in any way interfere with the free and proper operation of the line in a case where the working end of the line is employed directly.

The standard B is an elongate tubular part, preferably round in cross section and of such .4 length as to extend upwardly from the carriage to a point a suitable distance above the top of the bed. In the case illustrated the standard is engaged with and. projects upwardly from the housing I2 and joins the housing at the outer end thereof. With this arrangement the standard can be located adjacent the bed while a portion of the housing and. a substantial amount of the platform-I'll extend under the bed.

The arm C is an elongate rigid element that extends horizontally and it is preferably carried by the upper end of the standard B so that it can beadjusted horizontally relative to the standard to project various distances therefrom. In the case illustrated the arm is slidabl carried in a guide 39 at the upper end of the standard and itcan be releasably secured or clamped in a selected position by means of a set or clamp screw 3|. In the form of the invention illustrated the arm C is adjustable or variable as to length, it being formed of an outer tubular section 33 and an inner section 34 which slides into or has telescopic engagement with the section 33. The arm sections can be set in an adjusted position or relationship by a set or clamp screw 35 carried by section 33 and adapted to clamp against section 34.

Through the mechanism just described the arm can be readily adjusted or varied so that its outer end occurs over the bed at an desired position.

The motor M provided in the housing 12 may be a suitable electric motor supplied through a power line and connected so that it is under control of a suitable switch S accessible at the exterior of the housing. In accordance with the present invention the motor drives a crank shaft 4| through a variable speed reducing mechanism 42, which mechanism has a manual control member 44 at the exterior of the housing where it is readily accessible and which is such that it can be operated to effect any desired speed ratio between the shaft of the motor M and the crank shaft 4|. The crank shaft 4! which is an element of the means G, carries a crank arm 45 at the outer end portion of which there is a crank pin 45.

The line L is preferably a single continuous line extending from the carriage A where it is operated by the crank mechanism G' upward through the standard B and then substantially horizontally therefrom to the outer end of the arm C where it has the working portion X. The guide means that handles the line preferably involves a lower guide pulley on a fixed axis in the housing 12 below the lower end of the standard B, an upper guide pulley 52 in the upper end portion of the standard, and an outer guide pulley 53 at the outer end of the arm C. Through this general arrangement of the line it is handled or strung between the carriage A and the outer end of the arm so that the only exposed portion of the line occurs between the upper end portion of the standard and the outer end of the arm, which portion of the line is so related to the arm and elevated that it does not in any way complicate the apparatus nor present a hazard.

The means F handles the line L in the housing 12 and serves to multiply the action of the crank means G so that a crank means or crank arm of limited size or stroke can be employed to give the line L a substantial movement or stroke. In the case illustrated the means F is a pulley mechanism involving a fixed pulley which is preferably on an axis or shaft 6| common with the 50acts through a greater than is such as to support the crown i positions along or vertically of the post 10, thereby guide'pulley 50,'a first crank pulley 62 which'is carried by the crank pin 46, and a second crank pulley 63, likewise carried by the crank pin 46. The line L has a dead or fixed end portion Ill anchoredor fixed to the carriage at H within the housing 12. In accordance with the present invention the line extends from the fixed point parent that as the crank operates the portion of i the line issuing upwardly from the guide .pulley distance or stroke considerably that which would be occasioned if the line were directly engaged'with the crank.-

The mean H provided to engage the line and I adjust or vary the motion thereof is preferably located within the standard B so that it is housed thereby, and in the preferred form of the invention it involves a crown block 65, a traveling block 66, guide means 61 supporting the blocks for vertical movement, means 68 supporting the crown block in a selected position vertically, and a stop 69 limiting movement of the traveling block upwardly toward the crown block.

The guide or guide means 61 is preferably in the form of a vertical post 1!] suitably mounted in the standard B, as shown throughout the drawings. The traveling block 66 is shown as involving a body or slide 7 I slidably carried on the guide post 16 and carrying a pulley 12 to be engaged by the line L. The stop 69 is shown as a stop collar set in the desired position on the guide post 10 by a set screw 13. In accordance with the vided on or incorporated with the slide H so that gravity serves to normally urge the traveling block downwardly. The crown block 65 is provided with a body or slide 80 slidably carried on the post 10 and has a pulley 8| supported by the slide and engageable by the line. In the preferred arrangement the line extending upwardly from the lower guide pulley 56 is passed over the pulley 8! of the crown block and extends downwardly therefrom and around the pulley 12 of the traveling block whence it extends up and passes ,over the top guide pulley 52.

The means 68 supporting the crown block 65 block in various varying the spacing of the blocks as, for instance, when the traveling block is engaged with the stop, as shown in Fig. 5. The means 68, as shown in the drawings, involves a supporting line 85 de-' pending from a rotatable drum 86 arranged in the upper end portion of the standard. The drum is carried on a shaft 81 which is rotatable from a, manually operated hand wheel 88 at the exterior of the standard. In the preferred form of the invention the drive between the hand wheel and the drum shaft 81 is through a worm gear mechanism 89 which serves to hold the drum shaft against operation in either direction unless deliberately operated, as through operation of the hand wheel. By rotating the drum 86 thesuspension or supporting line 65 that depends from ithe drum to the slide of the crown block can be operated to support the crown block in any desiredposition.

the crank, and it will be ap invention the traveling block normally tends to move downwardly and thus keeps slack out of the line. In the case illustrated a weight 15 i prothe traveling block of means H is spaced well below the stop 69 as indicated in Fig. l. The travelin block, in such case, is supported in a down or lowered position and when the machine is put into operation the line works over or around the blocks of means H, causing elevation of the traveling block without moving the work, though some pressure is exerted thereon by reason of the 'weight of the traveling block. When the traveling block finally reaches the stop it stops its travel and the line upward of or beyond the means H is operated, causing elevation of the working end portion X and consequent movement of the work. By variation Or adjustment of the position of the crown block of means H the stroke or movement of the working end portion X of the line can be varied. From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the action may vary through a wide range, that is, from a very limited or short stroke to a long stroke. Through the construction provided by the present invention the line L, being engaged over two sets of pulleys, or through two pulley mechanisms, as at means F and means H, is of substantial length and if formed of a material having some yield or stretch, the action gained at the working end of the lineis somewhat softened or cushioned, with the result that a limb 22 or the like can be moved gently, or without sudden shock or severe force that might otherwise cause injury or discomfort,

I may, if desired, provide indicating means I at the upper end of the standard B to indicate the movement of the working end of the link. The indicating means I, as shown, involves a shaft 90 rotatably carried by the body and extending through the body to carry an indicator 9! on the exterior thereof. A segment 92 is carried by the shaft 90 within the body and is engaged with a pinion 93 on the end of the shaft 8?. When the shaft 81 is rotated to raise or lower the crown block 65, the indicator El is actuated at the exterior of the body where suitable calibrations 94 may be provided to cooperate with the indicator thereby indicating the movement to be attained at the working end of the line.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to crank arm on the shaft, a line operated by the crank and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, a pulley mechanism engaged by the line and multiplying the motion imparted 7 to the line by the crank, and a second pulley mechanism engaged by the line and varying the motion 7 of the line atthe outer end portion of. the arm resulting from operation of the crank.

2. Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a longitudinal elongate carriage, a vertically disposed tubular standard projecting up from one end of the carriage and defining a closed chamber and an arm projecting horizontally from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a power driven crank mechanism carried by the carriage and including a rotating shaft and a crank arm on the shaft, a line operated by the crank arm and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, and a pulley mechanism confined within the chamber defined by the standard varying the motion of the line at the outer end portion of the arm resulting from operation of the crank.

3. Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a horizontal elongate carriage, a vertical standard projecting up from one end of the carriage and an arm projecting from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a power driven crank mechanism carried by the carriage and including a rotating shaft and a crank arm on the shaft, a line operated by the crank arm and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, and a pulley mechanism engaged by the line and multiplying the motion imparted to the line by the crank.

Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a horizontal elongate carriage, a vertical standard projecting up from one end of the car riage and an arm projecting from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a power driven crank mechanism carried by the carriage and including a rotating shaft and a crank arm on the shaft, a line operated by the crank arm and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, and a pulley mechanism engaged by the line varying the motion of the line at the outer end portion of the arm resulting from operation of the crank.

5. Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a horizontal elongate carriage, a vertical standard projecting up from one end of the carriage and an arm projecting from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a power driven crank carried by the carriage, a line operated by the crank and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, and a pulley mechanism engaged by the line varying the motion of the line at the outer end portion of the arm resulting from operation of the crank, said mechanism including a vertically shiftable crown block, means supporting the crown block in a selected position, a traveling block normally tending to move away from the crown block, and a stop limiting movement of the traveling block toward the crown block, the line being engaged with the blocks and operating between them.

6. Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontall disposed U-shaped frame having a horizontal elongate carriage, a vertical standard projecting up from one end of the carriage and an arm projecting from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a

power driven crank carried by the carriage, a

line op ated y. he cr nk and exten in IQZI the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, and a pulleymechanism engaged by the line varying the motion of the line at the outer end portion of the arm resulting from operation of the crank, said mechanism including, a vertical guide carried by the standard, a crown block slidably carried by the guide, means supporting the crown block in adjusted position along the guide, a traveling block freely slidable along the guide, and a stop limiting movement of the traveling block toward the crown block, the line being engagedwith the blocks and operating between them.

7. Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a horizontal elongate carriage, a vertical standard projecting up from one end-of the carriage and an arm projecting from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a power driven crank carried by the carriage, a line operated by the crank and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, and a pulley mechanism engaged by the line varying the motion of the line at the outer end portion of the arm resulting from operation of the crank, said mechanism including, a vertical guide carried by the standard, a crown block slidably carried by the guide, a drum operated member supporting the crown block in adjusted position along the guide, a traveling block freely slidable along the guide, and a stop limiting movement of the traveling block toward the crown block, the line being engaged with the blocks and operating between them.

8. Apparatus of the character described, including a horizontally disposed U-shaped frame having a horizontal elongate carriage, a vertical standard projecting up from one end of the carriage and an arm projecting from the upper end of the standard and overlying the carriage, a power driven crank carried by the carriage, and a line operated by the crank and extending from the carriage longitudinally of the standard and then to the outer end portion of the arm, the arm supporting a line guiding pulley at its outer end and being adjustable relative to the standard to vary the position of the guiding pulley to the standard.

9. A machine of the character described, including a power operated crank, a line operated by the crank, guide means handling the line so it has a working end portion remote from the crank, and means engaging the line and multiplying the action of the crank on the line, said engaging means including, a plurality of pulleys and a moving pulleycarried by the crank, the line having a fixed end and a portion adjacent the fixed end and engaged around the said pulleys.

10. A machine of the character described, including a power operated crank, a line operated by the crank, guide means handling the line so it has a working end portion remote from the crank, and means varying the motion of the working end of the line, said varying means including, a vertically adjustable crown block, a traveling block normally tending to move away from the crown block, and a stop limiting movement of the traveling block toward the crown block, the line being engaged around and between said blocks.

11. A machine of the character described, including a power operated crank, a line operated by the crank, guide means handling the line so it has a working end portion remote from the crank,

means engaging the line and multiplying the ac- REFERENCES CITED mm of the crank on the line said engaging means The following references are of record in the including, a fixed pulley and a moving pulley carfile of this patent:

ried by the crank, the line having a dead end and a portion adjacent the dead end and engaged 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS around the said pulleys, and means varying the Number Name Date motion of the working end of the line, said vary- 413,407 Miller Oct. 22, 1889 ing means including, a vertically adjustable crown 675,678 Scholder June 24, 1901 block, a traveling block normally tending to move 964,898 Budingen July 19, 1910 away from the crown block, and a stop limiting 10 2,315,997 Ginsberg Apr". 6, 1943 movement of the traveling block toward the FOREIGN PATENTS crown block, the line being engaged around and between said blocks. Number Country D NICHOLAS W, BEN 18,916 Great Britain Oct. 29, 1395 

